Nesting Boxes Necessary?

[eggmaster6]

So I built a coop and only put up a 2'x5' shelf for the hens to roost on. They are laying eggs on it but my ol' lady keeps saying I need to build nesting boxes. I say if it's not broke don't fix it! Any wise words? Thanks

 

[MistyMountain]

My coop is entirely temporary, but my hens have no problem laying in those kitchen sink tubs. I have three in a row along a wall in the coop and another single one in a mini coop. They never lay anywhere else.

Something as simple as that for a place to lay eggs can go a long way. Eggs will stay cleaner and a lower chance of them getting broken. More comfy for the hens too. Would you like to lay an egg on a roost? They like to wiggle down and get comfy… sometimes take a nap in the box before or after laying.

 

[justplainbatty]

So I built a coop and only put up a 2'x5' shelf for the hens to roost on. They are laying eggs on it but my ol' lady keeps saying I need to build nesting boxes. I say if it's not broke don't fix it! Any wise words? Thanks

It's best to have a nest box that you can keep clean. Eggs on the shelf may get pooped on or broken. If they get broken, then you might have an egg eating problem. Chickens love raw egg! Egg eating, is not a problem you want to start, or have to try to stop.

 

[WNCcluck]

 
So I built a coop and only put up a 2'x5' shelf for the hens to roost on. They are laying eggs on it but my ol' lady keeps saying I need to build nesting boxes. I say if it's not broke don't fix it! Any wise words? Thanks

It's best to have a nest box that you can keep clean. Eggs on the shelf may get pooped on or broken. If they get broken, then you might have an egg eating problem. Chickens love raw egg! Egg eating, is not a problem you want to start, or have to try to stop.

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It's much easier to keep eggs clean and whole when there are nesting boxes. The nesting boxes don't have to be fancy. We used plastic tubs with pine shavings until we got our permanent coop with built in nesting boxes.

 

[Free Feather]

They like to shape the nest and make it the way they want to to feel comfortable. If you ever plan on hatching, it will not work with broken and dirty eggs. If you do not give her a nest, she will go find her own.